Ive read conflicting reports that he could be back by championship or he might not be back until this time next year. Whatever happens he wont be near 100% in 2007, and this will be a big blow to Armagh. They rely heavily on the Clarke/McDonnell combination from play, and without him they will struggle for scores.
Armagh's 2007 hopes have been dealt another blow with the news that full forward Ronan Clarke is facing several months on the sidelines.
Clarke, who was the Orchard County's only All-Star recipient this year, recently underwent keyhole surgery on a knee problem, but surgeons discovered that the damage to the knee was more serious than had initially been thought, leaving him facing the prospect of sitting out the entire National League and perhaps part of the championship as well.
It is a big setback to Clarke, who was troubled by a back injury earlier this year before bouncing back to play a leading role in Armagh's capture of the Ulster championship for a third consecutive year.
Armagh are also set to be without the services of full back Francie Bellew for the National League because of a shoulder injury.
Armagh's 2007 hopes have been dealt another blow with the news that full forward Ronan Clarke is facing several months on the sidelines.
Clarke, who was the Orchard County's only All-Star recipient this year, recently underwent keyhole surgery on a knee problem, but surgeons discovered that the damage to the knee was more serious than had initially been thought, leaving him facing the prospect of sitting out the entire National League and perhaps part of the championship as well.
It is a big setback to Clarke, who was troubled by a back injury earlier this year before bouncing back to play a leading role in Armagh's capture of the Ulster championship for a third consecutive year.
Armagh are also set to be without the services of full back Francie Bellew for the National League because of a shoulder injury.